STUDENT RESEARCH WORK ON THE THEORY AND METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS: CONTENT AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Abstract

The All-Ukrainian competition of student research papers in the theory and methodology of mathematics teaching faces a number of difficulties related to the lack of clear requirements for the content, structure, and evaluation criteria of submitted papers. The study aims to solve the problem of objective and transparent competitive selection by developing a system of evaluation criteria for student research papers. Theoretical methods were used: analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization of scientific sources and regulatory documents on professional training of mathematics teachers; analysis of student research papers from previous years; analysis of competitive selection experience. Empirical methods included interviewing university lecturers and undergraduate and graduate students. The experimental base was the long-term experience of conducting student paper competitions. The approximate content and structure of a student's research paper were determined, including introduction, goals and objectives, theoretical foundations, presentation of results, conclusions, abstract, and a list of sources. A system of paper evaluation criteria was developed (topic relevance, novelty, practical significance, research character, level of literature use, independence, quality of design) and criteria for evaluating paper defense. Typical student mistakes were systematized: methodological, content-related, structural, and technical. The expediency of continuing competitions as a tool for developing research competencies of future teachers is substantiated. The need to unify requirements for competitive papers to ensure objective selection is confirmed. The proposed criteria require broad discussion in the scientific and pedagogical community. Despite low student participation, the educational value of competitions remains high.